The Technology of Automation and Artificial Intelligence

This article was published as a part of the Data Science Blogathon.

Introduction

Automation and intelligence are two technologies that are widely used in modern systems, making them cutting-edge. Without the two technologies of automation and intelligence, a computer system or program will revert to outdated design and development concepts, which are currently obsolete and less productive.

The two concepts are frequently confused as one and can be interchanged. However, the two technologies are distinct and should be used in different ways depending on the situation. In some cases, the two may be used interchangeably, while in others, they may be quite distinct.

Both intelligence and automation can be combined in a single system, as the case may be. In this case, intelligence could lead to automation. The system is designed to run and do things on its own, without the need for assistance, direct action, or external control.

What is Automation?

Automation refers to a system’s ability to move, function, or perform on its own without being controlled externally, by utilizing its internal capabilities and a set of predetermined variables. This definition defines automation as the ability to be self-sufficient and independent. When a single system can perform all of its expected tasks using all of its sub-systems without external assistance, it is considered automated in this capacity.

What is Intelligence?

The ability of a system to function or perform on its own without being controlled externally in the presence of changing or random variables is known as intelligence. Unlike automation, intelligence is distinguished by its ability to function and perform in unexpected situations. Unexpected circumstances are similar to random variables that the system takes in while performing its expected tasks.

The ability to use random variables or unexpected circumstances distinguishes intelligence from mere automation. Take, for example, a self-driving car. The car should be able to move on its own without the need for a human driver to turn the steering wheel or apply the brakes. It should be capable of doing all of this on its own; this is referred to as automation. But, in order to make the self-driving car a so-called cutting-edge technology, we also need to be able to teach it when to perfectly hold breaks or make turns, regarding the constant dynamics or changing situations on the highway. Intelligence will be needed to accomplish this.

This same self-driving car could be designed to perform its function simply by moving a fixed distance. We’ll be able to accomplish this by simply automating the process by using a fixed or set of fixed paths between the two distances.

Without intelligence, the car may lose control and fall off the track if an unexpected item enters the picture. Intelligence is the feature that allows the car to, for example, hold the break even if an unexpected object is in the way. The car can make random dodges and miss obstacles as they come into its path, depending on the sophistication of the system. In addition to automation and fixed variables, this will necessitate the ability to work with random variables and repetitive circumstances.

When to use Intelligence?

Automation does not require intelligence and does not yet constitute artificial intelligence. Automation simply goes about its business based on preprogrammed, expected fixed conditions. We don’t always need intelligence in our systems. In any system, implementing intelligence can be very costly and complicated. As a result, we may be able to achieve our goal solely through automation in some problem domain. Only when dealing with an open system that is dynamic and constantly unpredictable should we use intelligence.

Let’s look at a car manufacturing system as an example. The assembling machine is housed in a room dedicated to this purpose by the company. It is common for businesses to declare the environment restricted and only allow employees access. As a result, the factory becomes a functioning closed system in which everything is expected and fixed. In an assembly line, for example, attaching doors is a repetitive task. The machines can simply be set to the correct lengths and angles and all will be well.

If the task is repetitive, an automated set of machines set to move and turn at fixed lengths and angles may just do the trick. This same machine may fail if it is expected to operate outside of the factory or if an unexpected event occurs that was not measured or factored into the system’s design.

This same machine can be improved to be more capable of handling even the most unusual scenarios. This is when intelligence emerges.

Intelligence, on the other hand, necessitates automation. In most cases, we can even say that intelligence’s goal is automation. Except that in this case, the automation will be intelligent, because automation in general refers to the concept of independence and self-control.

Conclusion

To summarize, intelligence is the combination of independence and automation in a single system. A robot, for example, could be intelligent or not, but it must be automated. A smart robot is one that uses intelligence, and the extent to which this is implemented determines the robot’s level of sophistication. We can say that a robot is more often associated with automation than intelligence.

A robot is a mechanical system that can move independently while performing a task, and an advancement to this system will be the addition of intelligence to its functionality.

A smart system is a term used in the market to describe a system that has a high level of intelligence. One who is able to adapt and perform admirably in a variety of situations. A hybrid system with cutting-edge concepts involving intelligence and automation will be considered advanced.

Key take away:

1. The terms “automation” and “intelligence” are not interchangeable.

2. A single system can contain both automation and intelligence.

3. Intelligence is not required or necessary for automation.

4. Intelligence requires automation.

5. Independence is achieved through automation.

6. Intelligence entails autonomy and automation.

7. Robots use automation, which can be intelligent or not.

8. An intelligent and automated system is referred to as a smart system.

9. A sophisticated system combines automation and intelligence.

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Mobarak Inuwa 27 Jun 2022